First Winner Announced in “Beyond the Still” Canon & Vimeo Contest

Josh Thacker (Director/Creative) and Brian Slater (Editor/Creative) were named the first winners for their short movie “Job Security” above. I very much look forward to working with them at the end of the contest – their entry – and frankly all of the finalists entries were outstanding.

If you’re interested in participating in the contest or submittind for Chapter 3 of “The Story Beyond the Still Video” contest, those entires are now being accepted through March 22, 2010. For rules and submission instructions, click here.

Here’s what I told the Vimeo community about this first series of entries:

“I wanted to thank everyone for participating in this experiment. I find it difficult to express how much I appreciate the level of time/talent and effort that you have put into this project – and the quality of the entries overall – not to mention how they so far exceeded my expectations – without sounding too effusive or like I’m trying too hard… take me at my word when I say: thank you and congratulations.

Congratulations to Josh Thacker and Brian Slater – I look forward to working with the two of you and the other finalists in a few months – and your entry was definitely one of my favorites. The choice in actors, lighting and twist were absolutely excellent! When I can get to a phone – I’d love to call you directly to say congrats.

Without taking anything away from Josh and Brian – congrats to the 5 finalists – and to pretty much everyone who entered for TAKING THE PLUNGE.

We’re working on loosening the myriad of rules we have to live by with this nationwide contest – and I speak for all of the judges when I say we’ve been frustrated about not being able to say more and more often – as you may know we were not allowed to say anything during this first round – as lawyers felt we might sway the voting. I hope that will change soon.

As far as my perspective as a judge – there were a good top 15-20 entries – it was far from an easy choice to pick the top 5. I’ve judged 20-30 contests by now over the past decade – and I can tell you this was an unusually strong field. When I get to Dubai I hope to find time to share more about the process.

One important thing to take away from this: the entries that had the best story/concept/plot and that were directed/shot in the way that communicated that them best rose to the top. I don’t think that the technical execution was as bit of a factor as many of you might assume. We all love to see pretty films – but the stories and their ability to draw out emotions and thoughts always win out.

For now: here’s the challenge – for all of you: PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU ENTER AGAIN – maybe not Chapter 3 – maybe later – I and we all know how much time/effort and resources one of these little films can take…

What won out in the end (speaking for myself as a judge) were strong stories with good execution. Sure the production value of some entries made them rise to the top – but after talking with the judges after we submitted our final votes – I can speak to the fact that never, at any time did the topic of camera moves, lighting etc. come up – the stories and ideas were the topic of discussion.

So let’s keep this thing going – please tell your friends/colleagues and I hope that this continues to progress at even half the speed we’ve started at – that would be impressive.

Congratulations to every single one of you – I can’t wait to see what you enter next and where we take this story. We’re also on wworking on some news ideas that will have more than the finalists invited to the final shoot..oops…not supposed to say that..the lawyers will soon be after me Point is: we’re discussing this contest internally almost every other day – and incredibly excited about it – so stay tuned!”

They really did do a great job. I think all of the finalists did a good job. As I was working on my submission I have to be honest, I didn’t finish because I knew I didn’t have a chance. HAHA. Maybe a future chapter will open up another opportunity. This winner did a great job at setting a bar for future chapters! Nice job!

I have to say it’s really disappointing to see you picked a winner that is a full scale advertising production company. I was hoping you’d make more of an effort to search out the work of still photographers. However, I suspected you’d go this route. It’s disheartening to know when you enter a comp. like this you’re competing against companies that have resources you don’t – and in the film world budgets matter – even with new camera systems like these. I don’t think this winner fits into the spirit of this competition. Interestingly enough I know this company fairly well since I’m also based in MSP and I know the owners have other resources that most young film makers don’t. I don’t have to see the rest of the chapters to know the route you’re now on and it makes this project not worth doing for that reason.

@Clark Patrick, Clark – one of the first thing you need to do prior to criticizing anyone is to do your research. We (the judges) narrowed the finalists down to the top 5. The PUBLIC chose the winner… i.e. you and everyone else did – unless you didn’t participate. The clear majority of the top 20 were made by non-production houses by the way as well. It’s so easy to jump in and criticize things – anyone can do this. It takes a lot more thought, time and energy to actually do some research, take some time to think and then post publicly – especially if you’re criticizing something.

@Vincent Laforet, Why did you create this contest? I knew the PUBLIC chose the winner. But, did the public know that the winner was produced by a professional production company that shoots commercials?? So, is this contest for production companies or individual aspiring filmmakers and still shooters? Because I know a few other professional filmmakers that could enter and likely win too. All I am saying is that the contest has now become unfair for non-professionals.

@Clark Patrick, Furthermore, I don’t criticize anything without thinking about it first. My question is an earnest one – who is this contest for? Professionals (who make a living already in the film/video industry.) Or aspiring professionals? There is an important difference.

@Clark Patrick, Clark – the contest is open to everyone – professionals and non-professionals. To many – entering alone and having their work seen by others, and commented on by judges is a great prize in it of its own… winning is the cherry on top.

As far as whether or not the people voting knew who Runner Runner was (the winning entrant) as simple click on their name would launch them to this page:

@Clark Patrick, In a way, I see Clark’s point without disagreeing with anything VIncent has added. Would one of these companies really be interested in the prizes on offer? I think that may have unwittingly given the impression that this was perhaps a contest for people with less backing behind them?

That said, one of the things which struck me was how similar the offerings from the professionals were. Although they were uniformly good, I found myself clicking away after a minute or so of seeing the same drill. The one I shall regret not being able to see the next chapter to was the girl in the box on the beach.

@Vincent Laforet, “To many – entering alone and having their work seen by others, and commented on by judges is a great prize in it of its own… winning is the cherry on top.”

You are right Vincent. I for one entered the contest, not for prizes I already own, but for the judges comments. I thought it was a truly remarkable thing you accomplished rounding up that many extraordinary professionals to participate.

So any updates on that? I hope the lawyers didn’t eat the homework again.

I kinda agree with the Clark guy while understanding Vincent. The contest should have rules, like no Pro Organizations…it should be 1 director with actors and thats it. Most of us don’t have budgets for all those grips, assistants, props and locations. Its like putting Mike Tyson in the ring with a 12 year old.

Still a great project, but clearly aimed at Professional teams so that at the end the project looks like a hollywood movie.

Thank you Vincent, Vimeo, and all participants. From a simple wanna-be, it is amazing to be the viewer. I just wish everything today in every area of life, has to be a fight or argument. However, as a lover of all art, I am still having fun enjoying creativity, please do not stop.

OK – new rule: if you’re going to criticize other people’s work – then at least post your full name and valid e-mail. If you’re going to criticize me – I can take it. If you’re going to criticize other people on this platform – I’m not going to allow it. I’m not going to give you a platform to do so if you’re doing it anonymously – or with just a first name.